Business Planning
Our business planning hub has all of the essential tools, strategies and insights needed to build and maintain a successful small business — a complete resource for starting, managing and growing your business. Discover everything you need to know at business.com.
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Latest: Advice, Tips and Resources
Article
What a Bill of Materials Is and Why You Need One
By Sean Peek | January 20, 2026
Whether you are making a toy or a rocket, a BOM helps you accurately manage and oversee resources and identify materials to reduce wasteful spending.
Article
From Collections to Repossession: A Timeline of Debt
By Kiely Kuligowski | January 20, 2026
Get your business out of debt with our guide to the debt collection process and see expert-backed advice for dealing with collection agencies.
Article
Time to Expand? Tips for Opening Another Location
By Max Freedman | January 16, 2026
Learn how to know when it's time to expand your business, and find out what you should do to begin the process.
Article
Tips for Setting Better Business Goals
By Simone Johnson | January 16, 2026
Business goals provide direction for your company and can motivate your team to reach milestones. Learn about the goal-setting process and types of goals.
Article
What Is a Receipt Printer? Thermal vs Impact
By Sean Peek | January 16, 2026
Thermal and impact receipt printers do the same job but are suited to different locations.
Article
How to Decide on Your Company’s Fiscal Year
By Catherine vanVonno | January 16, 2026
Choosing when to start a fiscal year may seem minor, but this step can hugely impact your business. Learn the factors that affect your fiscal year's start.
Article
What Is Commercial Liability Auto Insurance?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 15, 2026
Commercial liability auto insurance covers the same types of liabilities as personal auto insurance, but the policy is for commercial vehicles.
Article
Workers’ Compensation Claim Process Guide
By Max Freedman | January 15, 2026
Business owners should ensure their employees understand the workers' compensation claims process. Learn what's entailed and how the claims process works.
Article
Employment Practices Liability Insurance: Why Small Businesses Need EPLI
By Jamie Johnson | January 15, 2026
Employment practices liability insurance protects your business from past or current employee lawsuits. Here’s how EPLI works.
Article
What Is Intellectual Property Insurance?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 15, 2026
Your business needs intellectual property insurance if you hold patents or trademarks. Learn what intellectual property insurance covers.
Article
What Is Malpractice Insurance?
By Jennifer Dublino | January 15, 2026
Malpractice insurance can protect your business. Learn about malpractice insurance, who needs it, what types exist, how much it costs and how to get it.
Article
14 Ways to Save Money on Business Insurance
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 15, 2026
You shouldn't cut corners when it comes to business insurance. Here are ways to reduce your insurance premiums without sacrificing coverage.
Article
Q1 Reflections: Important Ways to Take Stock of the First Quarter
By Danielle Fallon-O’Leary | January 15, 2026
Learn how to take stock of how your business fared during Q1 so you can continue marching toward completing your company's goals in Q2.
Article
The Most Popular Types of 501(c)s
By Deborah Sweeney | January 15, 2026
If you plan to form a nonprofit, it's important to know about the most common types of 501(c) groups. Get expert-backed tips for your organization.
Article
What Is a Cyber Insurance Risk Assessment?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 14, 2026
A cyber insurance risk assessment finds the systems and assets most at risk of cyberattack. Learn about cyber insurance and how risk assessments work.
Article
What Is OSHA Compliance?
By Max Freedman | January 14, 2026
This guide explains OSHA and the regulations it sets for workplace safety and employee health. Learn how your small business can comply with OSHA.
Article
Why Every Business Owner Needs an Exit Strategy
By Mark Fairlie | January 14, 2026
You don’t go into business planning to get out — but you should. Find out why an exit strategy is important and why you need two strategies.
Article
5 Tips for Building an Investor-Ready Franchise Business
By Howard Goldstein | January 14, 2026
Being a franchisee has its perks over starting a brand-new business, but you still need capital. Here are three ways to appeal to investors.
Article
How to Easily Implement a 5S Program for Your Business
By Jennifer Dublino | January 13, 2026
A 5S program consists of sort, straighten, shine, standardize and sustain. Learn how to implement a 5S program, boost efficiency and eliminate waste.
Article
8 Tips to Manage Your Time as a Small Business Owner
By Jennifer Dublino | January 13, 2026
Small business owners are constantly pulled in different directions. Follow these time-management tips to maximize your effectiveness.
Article
What Are Insurance Endorsements?
By Nicole Urbanowicz | January 13, 2026
Insurance endorsements are a way to broaden or narrow coverage on an existing insurance policy. Here's how insurance endorsements work for your business.
Article
Insurance Deductions and Expenses for Small Businesses
By Nicole Urbanowicz | January 13, 2026
Make sure to take all the deductions possible for your business insurance expenses. Here is how to stop paying too much in taxes.
Article
What Is Professional Negligence?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 13, 2026
Professional negligence is when an industry professional doesn't properly fulfill their duties, leading to damage or harm. Learn how to avoid lawsuits.
Article
What Is an Insurance Rider?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 13, 2026
While standard business insurance policies protect your business, when extra coverage is needed, you'll obtain a rider. Learn how riders work.
Article
What Is a Workers’ Comp Exemption?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 13, 2026
This guide explains how workers' compensation exemptions work and to which employees these exemptions may apply.
Article
Best Business Newsletters of 2026
By Sammi Caramela | January 13, 2026
Make this the year you become a better business owner or entrepreneur — all thanks to these newsletters.
Article
Everything to Know About Uber Eats for Restaurants
By Miranda Fraraccio | January 13, 2026
Considering launching your restaurant on Uber Eats? Before you take the plunge, read our guide to ensure it's the right opportunity for your business.
Article
Everything to Know About Business Checking Account Fees
By Donna Fuscaldo | January 13, 2026
Here's a look at the business checking account fees you could face and how to avoid them.
Article
Specialty Insurance Basics
By Mark Fairlie | January 12, 2026
A business needs specialty insurance for items not covered by ordinary homeowners or automobile insurance. Learn if your company needs more insurance.
Article
What Is Tail Insurance in Business?
By Kimberlee Leonard | January 12, 2026
Tail insurance is a policy endorsement that lets you file a claim after a policy's term ends. Learn how tail coverage can protect your business.